Bhubaneswar bars MRs from promoting medicines at govt hospitals

Bhubaneswar: Medical representatives (MRs) in the state will no longer be able to promote medicines at the outpatient departments (OPDs) at government-run hospitals.

According to guidelines issued by health secretaryArti Ahuja to the chief district medical officers (CDMOs) and superintendents of medical colleges on Wednesday, the medical officer in-charge of the OPD will ensure restriction on MRs and private firms from recommending their products during OPD hours of doctors on duty.

The six-point guidelines are part of the government's move to ensure doctors prescribe medicines available in government-supplied stocks to the maximum possible extent ensuring rational use of government stocks and reduce patients' expenditure.

Advocating rational use of government supplied medicines and consumables, Ahuja said, "The government is supplying quality medicines, surgical, suture and other items to all health institutions. But it has come to notice that sometimes doctors are prescribing medicines and consumables to patients to purchase from outside though the same/substitute medicines are available at hospital stores."

Under Niramaya, a scheme launched by the state government in May last year, the government promises 570 medicines free of cost in government facilities.

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